Support



Jan. 15, 1924.

M. A. BULLARD SUPPORT Filed Jan. 14. 1922 m T N E V m.

BY 0 ATTORNEY) Patented Jan. 15, 1924.

warren stares mes.

SUPPORT.

Application filed January 14, 1922. Serial No. 529,122.

To all whom it may concern:

'Be it known that I, MINNIE A. BULLARD, a citizen of the United States, residing at Waverley, county of Middlesex, State of Massachusetts, have made a certain new and useful Invention in Supports, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to an adjustable support or brace and has for its object the provision of a neat, light, sanitary structure which may be used to case a patients position by being fastened, for example, at or near the foot of the bed, when the support is adjusted and used as a foot-brace, or it may be placed at or near the head of the bed for a head-rest or back-brace; and thus assist the patient in maintaining a more comfortable sitting or semi-reclining position.

A further object includes the provision of a simple but eflicient and inexpensive structure which may be readily manufactured and quickly applied.

Other objects will appear hereinafter, and I attain these objects by the device illustrated in the accompanying drawing in which:

Figure 1 is an end elevation.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation.

Figure 3 is a view in perspective of a part of the device.

Fig. 4 is a view from the bottom.

Fig. 5 illustrates a mode of use.

Referring to the drawing, wherein like numerals refer to similar parts, I provide, preferably, a rectangular base frame 10 which may, if desired, be approximately, though not necessarily, twice as long as wide, and on this frame I secure bosses or collars 11 at or near the corners. The bosses are provided with suitable jaws 12 having pinholes 13 to receive pins 141. The jaws and pins engage supporting extension members comprising links 15 and 20 which are held in a tubular spacing member or arm'16 by thumb screws or bolts 17.

I also provide a supporting or pad frame 18 similar in construction and shape to the base frame, but preferably about twice as wide. At or near the corners of the supporting frame there are secured bosses or collars 19 similar in construction to base frame bosses Or collars 11. These-collars or bosses, like bosses 11, are provided with jaws 12 which pivotally engage links 20 of the extension or adjusting members. From this construction it is apparent that the links fit slidably into the tubular arms 16 from either end and may be secured in place by thumb screws 17 and 21, in any desired position within the limits of the length of said member.

The supporting frame may be covered by a padding or cover 22, which for ease of re moval for washing or renewing, may be held in place by lacing 23. Where the brace,

is designed for a foot-rest only the size of the supporting frame need be no wider than the length of a full sized foot. Where, however, it is intended for a head-rest or a back-brace the size and shape of the supporting frame will, of course, be varied in accordance with its intended use.

In Fig. 5 I have diagrammatically illustrated a; manner of use of my foot-sup- 'port or brace which may be fastened by suitable clamps 24, or it may rest against the footboard as indicated in dotted lines..

In place of clamps 24 for fastening the brace, I may use securing straps 25, or any equivalent means which admit of ready adjustment or quick removal. It is understood my support will readily lend itself to numerous other positions and uses not specifically herein shown, as may be needed or the comfort of the patient or user, and in all cases will it serve to assist in maintaining a more natural and comfortable position.

It is further evident that while I have shown and described a specific embodiment of my invention, I do not thereby desire to be understood as having thus limited myselfv unnecessarily, as obviously numerous modifications falling wholly within the scope and spirit of my invention will suggest them" i selves to those versed in the art. 7

What I claim, therefore, as new and useful and of my own invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

In a foot rest for invalids, a pair of symmetrical rectangular frames comprising four connected side members, collars fitted over said side members near the corners thereof, extensions on said collars to form jaws, a

pin extending through said jaws, links fitting in said jaws and engaged by said pin, frames, and means for securing the foot a tubular hnk for engaging the free end rest to the frame of a bed whereby the foot of each of a pair or" links extending from the rest may be secured at various positions. 10 opposite frames to form spacer members, In testimony whereof I have hereunto set whereby the relative position of the frame my hand on this sixth day of January, may be adjusted, means for adjusting said A. D. 1922.

spacer members, a cover for one of said MINNIE A. BULLARD. 

